<p>Do you guys recommend that I buy a laptop for Electrical Engineering at UIUC? I'm thinking of buying one on Black Friday, but the only problem is that my parents aren't too convinced that I need one. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>Other notes: I'm not sure if I'm accepted yet but I'm pretty sure I'll be accepted. (I have 4.0 GPA and 35 ACT Composite Score with writing)
I don't have a laptop yet.</p>
<p>Definitely get a laptop. A lot of homework is online and it’s gonna be a big inconvenience to have to go to a computer lab to always type papers, look at grades online, and do online homework.</p>
<p>My son is a Mechanical Engineering freshman this year. He purchased a laptop but did not want a printer. He would not be without his laptop. It is definitely a must have item for him. We have left open the option of getting a printer if he wants one. So far, he has said that there is no need.</p>
<p>I would not buy it now. You will not be attending for a year. The one certainty about computers is that this year’s model will be obsolete and replaced by a faster, better, lighter and more impressive model next year before you need to buy and at that time if you want to really save money, you will be able to buy this year’s model for much less than it costs now. </p>
<p>Also, UIUC has a computer store (on line and an actual store) through which its students, including those who have already accepted admission as freshman and have their ID numbers, can purchase various models of computers at lower prices, including lower cost extended warranties, than you can get retail, and they can come with software you may need at UIUC.</p>
<p>I second drusba about waiting. It’ll be about 9 months before you go, and if you don’t plan on using it much during that time. Technology is constantly getting cheaper and better. What you could by now for $400 might cost $350 in a year. There will be lots of sales from now until you leave. I’d wait.</p>
<p>My brothers are both in Engineering as are many of their friends. They say they could get by without them, but it would by hugely inconvenient. So much of their work is done on them. The investment is worth it.</p>
<p>(future tip: Don’t bring your laptop to class. I sat in on a few intro classes, so many kids with laptops have surf the internet or are checking e-mail or something. Even if you use your laptop for notes, its easy to get distracted and your professor probably won’t appreciate it.)</p>
<p>Your parents said you didn’t need one? Sounds like my father. Life will not be pleasant for you if you go to UIUC without a laptop. Especially if you’re an engineering student. There’s a lot of students on campus and I’ve yet to take a class where all the homework, quizzes, notifications, etc. isn’t online. My laptop was broken for only one week and it was a painful and frustrating experience.</p>
<p>I agree with everyone else about waiting for a newer model. Macs are the wave here. But if you’re looking for something more affordable, the Sony VAIO computers are really nice. I have one and I like it a lot.</p>
<p>Thanks guys! I really appreciate your feedback. I convinced my parents that I definitely need a laptop (with your help), but I also decided to buy a laptop this year just because I found an amazing deal laptop/sleekbook for 400 dollars. </p>
<p>This was my first post and it helped me so much!</p>
<p>you will definitely need a laptop…but you have time…so wait and buy it closer to the time when you go there…my 2 cents!</p>